HOUSTON, June 26 (Xinhua) -- World Cup debutant Cabo Verde continued its fairytale campaign by advancing to the knockout stage as Group H runner-up after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia on Friday.
In the other fixture of the group, Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to qualify for the round of 32 as group winner on seven points. Cabo Verde finished second on three points from three draws.
"It's a bit of a surprise, although we always believed we had a chance of reaching this stage after the first two matches," Cabo Verde head coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, said after the match.
"The team was determined to show the world what we're capable of, and we're proud of what we've achieved. We're a small country, but we always fight for our goals. For us, nothing is impossible."
Cabo Verde has been one of the surprise packages at this World Cup, having held European champion Spain to a goalless draw before coming from behind to draw 2-2 with two-time champion Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia frustrated Uruguay in a 1-1 draw before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Spain.
The two sides traded attacks in the first half, with Cabo Verde enjoying the better of the play. Joao Paulo was lively on the left flank, creating several scoring opportunities, while Ryan Mendes and Jamiro Monteiro also threatened with incisive runs through the middle.
Cabo Verde maintained its intensity after the break, repeatedly threatening the Saudi goal and creating a number of clear-cut chances, while Saudi Arabia was largely limited to opportunities on the counterattack.
In the 74th minute, midfielder Laros Duarte had a glorious chance in front of goal but failed to find the net.
Deep into stoppage time, Nuno da Costa had Cabo Verde's last chance of the match but was unable to score the winner.
After the match, the squad endured an anxious wait before receiving confirmation that Spain had won, prompting jubilant celebrations.
"We've always spoken about our organization and our determination to play without fear. It was a very difficult match that required great mental strength because we depended on the result of the other match, but the team showed incredible character," Bubista said. "The key to our success is our team's unity and resilience."
Cabo Verde's remarkable World Cup journey will continue with a round-of-32 clash against Lionel Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3.
"We represent our country, and we also represent Africa. We're very proud to have the opportunity to play against Argentina. They have many world-class players, including Lionel Messi, but our goal is to show the world what we're capable of. We're ready to face the challenge and overcome the difficulties," Bubista said. ■
